STORM REPORTING NOT EXACTLY LIKE 'SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN'

 

Grumpy Editor notes TV hurricane reporters, on camera fighting strong wind and rain, constantly remind viewers in the storm’s path that: “You shouldn’t be out here, but I am.”

It’s a bit different than the happy script and long-popular title song in the 1952 film, “Singin' in the Rain," starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds.

Instead of braving the risky elements in storms, often standing in knee-high water and dodging downed power lines, reporting on latest weather conditions and events could just as well be done --- perhaps even better ---  in the confines of a dry, safe and windless TV studio.

But standing out in the elements with microphone in hand is the way severe weather reporting has been conducted for years.  News editors figure that’s the way to go.

“Reporters out there make me sick!,” tweets an ABC viewer who was watching the network’s wet and wind-blown storm reporter in Naples, Florida describe the “suction” force of the gale. “Go home, be safe and stop grand standing,” adds the viewer.

Another mentions, "God Bless our intrepid reporters, but have you never heard the expression hadn't got enough sense to come in out of the rain?”

 

 

IN CASE YOUR FAVORITE NEWS OUTLETS MISSED THESE...

 

WEATHER COOLING IN CALIFORNIA?  California’s Sierra Nevada mountains experiences snowfall a month earlier than usual last week.  Snow plows had to be called.  But global warming (er, climate change) folks are silent on this meteorological development in the Sunshine State.

HOLLYWOOD AWARDS SHOWS GET POLITICAL.  TV viewers tune into awards shows to check out winners and be entertained, not to hear chatter reserved for political programs — which is a sure way to see audiences dwindle.

TOUGH TALK SHAKES UP SOME MEDIA.  President Donald Trump, in his United Nations speech, disturbs some in media after vowing to destroy North Korea should the communist country attack the U.S.  Trump referred to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as “Rocket Man” and said he was  on a "suicide mission" in advancing the country's nuclear weapons development. Trump mentions the U.S.,“if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea.” An example of media reaction: an Associated Press reporter says, “Rocket Man" may get headlines, but the president of the United States just threatened to eradicate a nation of 25 million people."

ARMY BRASS PUT IN SPOTLIGHT.  The U.S. Army plans a series of mental health, counseling and career management programs which it hopes will shape stronger, more ethical leaders, focusing more on building character than on berating bad conduct. The move comes as an effort to help deal with an embarrassing number of misconduct and behavior problems among senior officers. 

PC TO STRANGLE COMEDY?  Society's "stupidly politically correct" sensibilities will lead to the "death of comedy," veteran comedian Mel Brooks, tells BBC.  He adds that political correctness is becoming a stranglehold on comedians.  “It's not good for comedy. Comedy has to walk a thin line, take risks.”

BUDGET HITS ANOTHER COLLEGE NEWSPAPER.  University of Louisville campus newspaper, the Cardinal, will stop getting funds from the university by the end of next year’s spring semester.  The university blames the end of funding on the school's $48 million budget shortfall.

WORLD WAR I SUB LOCATED.  An intact German World War I submarine containing the bodies of 23 sailors is found in the North Sea off the coast of Belgium.  The UB II-type dive boat is described as 88 feet long, 20 feet wide and about 90 feet below the surface.